Deep Cover

CHAPTER 17

MICHAEL RELAXED ON the rooftop of a building across the street from the apartment complex for an hour before deciding it was safe enough to venture down to the parking lot he had under observation. He would've preferred to continue discrediting Blue by waging further attacks against the woman she was protecting, but he was running out of time.

In his mind, he'd already disgraced her with the shooting earlier in the week, and now he was going to execute a coup de grace. Both women would die, but his goal would be accomplished because Blue's reputation would be forever sullied - not only by the successful attack earlier in the week, but also by her ultimate failure to protect either of them against a car explosion.

The operative ran through his plan one last time. He'd discarded the idea of just setting the bomb to detonate when the car was started, knowing that the CIA would quickly cover up any incident on their own grounds. Having seen a dark car drive through the parking lot several times that night, he suspected that Company agents were keeping an eye on the building, so it stood to reason that any mishap on these grounds would be quickly covered up as well.

Michael knew his window of opportunity was rapidly disappearing, but he was unwilling to give the Company a chance to conceal his handiwork, so he'd broadened the focus of his attack. He grinned coldly, thinking about the modifications he'd made to the device while waiting on the roof. Their demise would be dramatic, public, and newsworthy. Knowing the women had to travel the beltway to get to and from work, the agent had reset the detonator to explode at 53mph. Michael felt no guilt over the innumerable accidents that were likely to occur as a result of the fiery explosion. When burning metal peppered the beltway, the accident would become a headliner, and Blue's failure would be spectacularly accentuated.

Staying in the darkest of the shadows, he approached the green Ford Taurus Blue had rented and knelt down between it and the vehicle parked in the adjoining space. He removed his backpack, unzipped it, and carefully took out the small explosive device along with the tools he would need to reach the speedometer cable. Lying down on the blacktop, he scooted under the car.

Michael armed the bomb after installing it, and smiled when the tiny red light came on. He scooted back out from under the car, satisfied that although the device was small, the devastating power of C4 would create an explosion equivalent to a half dozen sticks of dynamite and turn the car into a fireball. Shortly after they merged with traffic on the beltway, the two women would be dead.

When finished, he glanced at his watch. It was 3:45 a.m. It had only taken him twenty minutes. Michael's smile widened as he carefully checked the parking lot before rising to his full height and casually walking away.

Kris woke instantly alert, as she did every morning. The primary difference in her waking routine now was that she no longer got out of bed immediately, much preferring to enjoy the precious little time she got to spend lying next to the woman she loved more than life itself.

Kris snuggled closer, relishing the feel of Shelby's soft skin against her own. It was such a heady feeling to wake up each morning with the smaller woman tucked against her, and to know that even in sleep their bodies remained connected, comforted by the contact.

She smiled, as the blond, tousled head shifted on the pillow they shared. The worry lines that had marked her partner's face were absent, leaving an almost childlike innocence on her features. Kris frowned at the dark smudges showing beneath the chestnut-colored lashes, and hoped she'd still be around when they faded, not locked in some interrogation room in the stark, cold bowels of Langley.

Refusing to give that very real fear a foothold, she raised her head and fleetingly kissed Shelby's cheek, surprised when the green eyes fluttered open.

"Mmm..." Shelby smiled, stifling a yawn. "How about a real one, now that I'm awake."

Kris looked into the dancing green eyes and felt her heart begin thudding wildly against her chest, the way it did every single time Shelby looked at her that way. She lowered her mouth to the eagerly waiting lips and was lost in a flurry of sensations, ending the kiss breathless a few moments later. Her own voice sounding foreign to her ears, she croaked, "Soon." Kris' longing for the physical aspect of their relationship was reflected back at her by the passion in her partner's eyes.

Shelby nodded and smiled, not trusting herself to speak. She was reveling in the warm glow that just a look from her partner elicited, and took a deep breath, trying to stem the desire still rippling through her body. Shelby's tongue flickered over her lips, trying to recapture the feel of Kris' mouth on her own, amazed that there seemed to be so many nerve endings there that she'd never experienced before.

Kris murmured, "You're killing me," and met the moist lips for a long, lingering kiss. She broke away and suddenly sat up, the pain from her bruised muscles at the quick movement diminished by the feelings washing over her. Placing her feet on the floor, she stood up. "I gotta go take a shower."

Shelby laughed softly. "Need any help?"

Grinning wolfishly, Kris eyes slowly roamed down the blonde's body, before returning to her partner's gaze and winking. "That might not be a good idea."

Flushed, Shelby watched Kris walk out of the room, buried her head in the pillow and moaned. She'd been shot, shot at, threatened, and her life was in danger, yet all of that faded into insignificance at just one look from the tall operative. She sent out a heartfelt plea to any higher entity that might be listening to keep both the two of them and Kris' mother safe, and to allow them a chance at a future together. The analyst didn't know if it would do any good, but she decided it sure couldn't hurt.

A short time later, after Shelby showered, she joined Kris in the kitchen. She reached down and stroked Stormy, who was busy gobbling down her food. Looking up and seeing the worry in her partner's eyes, and knowing that today was likely to be another long day, she suggested, "Why don't we stop for breakfast on the way to work?"

Kris hesitated only momentarily. She was anxious to put their plan into motion, but it was still early, and the idea of a little extra time with Shelby was very enticing. "Okay. Where do you want to go?"

A mischievous sparkle appeared in Shelby's eyes. "How about that little place we passed on the way to Georgetown last night?"

"Isn't that kind of out of the way? It's all stop-and-go city driving to get there."

Shelby grinned. "I know. Do you mind?"

Returning her partner's smile, Kris shook her head. "Nope. If that's where you want to go, that's where we're going."

Swiveling in her office chair, Shelby glanced at Kris as she hung up the phone and grinned. "I think Jonathan's going to have a hard way to go with Mom."

Kris commented dryly, "'Bout time she listened to you for a change."

"Yeah I know." Shelby winked at her partner. "But you know what they say - love is blind."

The simple, trite statement hit Kris like a ton of bricks. It was true. She honestly had no idea what the analyst had seen in her that was worth risking so much for.

Catching a glimpse of the vulnerability that fleetingly crossed Kris' face every now and then, Shelby stood up and crossed over to where her partner was sitting in front of her computer. Linking her fingers with the tall woman's, she spoke from her heart. "You are the best thing that ever happened to me. When you walked into Dennis' office that morning, I just knew I had to get to know you better. I'm so glad I did."

Kris gazed into the depths of the emotion filled green eyes. "So am I." She stood up and hugged Shelby, savoring the few moments of contact before releasing her.

"Did your mother agree to talk to Kim tomorrow?"

"Yeah. I think she's pretty confused right now. She really did want to believe Jonathan had changed. I feel bad for her in a way."

Kris pursed her lips. "You're most likely saving her a lot of pain. Of both kinds."

"Yeah, you're right." Focusing on the task at hand, she asked, "What time are you leaving?"

The operative thought quickly. It would only take her a few minutes to get to her safe deposit box at the bank to pick up the bugs, tape recorder, and phone tap. Driving to Maggie's apartment would take the longest, but getting inside the apartment to install the bugs wouldn't be a problem. "I might as well go now and get it over with. I shouldn't be gone more than an hour."

"Okay. I'll keep checking the hall." Shelby shook her head, sighing. "I can't believe I've been out there four times already and haven't managed to catch her once."

Kris rolled her eyes. "I hear you. Maybe you'll get lucky next time."

Shelby nodded. "I hope so, or there isn't going to be much sense in bugging her apartment." She wrapped her arms around Kris and laid her head against her chest. "Hurry back."

The tall woman smiled and returned the embrace. "Count on it."

Ten minutes after Kris left; Shelby ventured out into the hallway again and headed for the vending machines. She grinned inwardly when she saw Maggie walk out of her office, headed in the same direction.

"Hey, Maggie."

"Hi, Shelby. I haven't seen you for days! Did the cops ever catch that guy that took a shot at you?"

The analyst paused, surprised that Maggie had even mentioned the incident. "You know about that?"

"Yeah." Maggie grinned conspiratorially and shrugged. "It's all over the grapevine."

Shelby knew that wasn't true, but played along. "I should've guessed. Hear anything good lately?"

"Not really. Oh wait. Yes I did. Dennis is getting reassigned to Strategic Ops."

Snorting, Shelby said, "You've gotta be kidding me!"

Maggie grinned. "That's what I thought, too, but it's true."

Since Maggie was now in full gossip mode, Shelby decided it was the right time to plant her own rumor. "Hey, guess what I heard?"

Looking at Shelby, surprised, Maggie asked, "What?"

"You remember when you told me Blue was at headquarters?" When Maggie nodded, Shelby continued, "Jet and Silver are here now, too."

Maggie sucked in a breath. "No kidding. Wonder why?"

"I don't know, but it seems funny all three of those operatives would be here at the same time. Must be something big getting ready to go down. We'll probably never know, though."

Trying not to appear too interested, Maggie nodded. "You're right, but I'm still going to put out some feelers. If I find out anything, I'll let you know."

Shelby smiled. "Thanks. You always hear a lot more than I do."

"That's because you hardly ever leave your office."

Shrugging, Shelby said, "I know, but Dennis has really been piling on the work."

Maggie nodded knowingly. "Well, I'm sure glad I don't work for him."

"You're lucky. Speaking of which, I'd better get back. See you later."

"Okay." Maggie watched Shelby walk back to her office, uneasy about the fact that three wet operatives had been recalled at the same time. She wouldn't be able to go straight home tonight after all.

Kris took one last look around the apartment. It was apparent that Maggie was used to living luxuriously. All the furnishings and electronic equipment were top quality and the computer sitting in the spare bedroom was a brand new Dell. The operative snorted derisively. The woman was obviously being well paid for her information, but she hadn't even bothered to have a security system installed. Not that it would have stopped any agent from getting in, but it would've taken a few extra minutes.

Satisfied with the placement of the bugs, she glanced at her watch and hurriedly left the apartment. It had taken her longer to get to Maggie's than she'd intended because the traitor's apartment was not easily accessible from the beltway, so she had taken the slower main thoroughfares and would be returning the same way. She had no intentions of worrying her partner unnecessarily, and was going to have to hustle to get back within the hour she'd allotted.

The operative sat in the car impatiently tapping her fingers on the wide bar across the center of the steering wheel. "At this rate, we'll never beat her to the drop."

Reaching over and laying her hand on the tall woman's leg, Shelby said, "Hey, relax a little. She probably comes this way, too, and she doesn't even leave work for another half hour."

Kris forced herself to relax. Shelby was right. It just seemed that everything was working against them today. Normally, it only took 25 minutes to reach Georgetown on the beltway, even in rush hour traffic, but today they hadn't crawled above 10 mph. Kris sighed inwardly. The gridlock wasn't likely to improve until they exited the highway, because the traffic bulletin on the radio had indicated that the accident was just this side of their exit. "The camera's all set?"

Shelby gently squeezed the leg her hand was resting on. "Yep. New roll of film, and I've got such a high powered lens it should pick up her nose hairs. But you knew that already."

Kris quickly glanced at Shelby and found herself finally relaxing as she returned the warm grin directed at her. "Busted, huh?"

"Yep. Just think, by the end of the evening, we'll have everything we need on Maggie and on Michael, too, I betcha."

"I hope so, because we're running out of time. I've got to contact Sergei and set up a meet. I'm just wondering what kind of double-cross he has set up. He's not going to just walk away happy."

A cold chill ran down Shelby's back. "Are you saying..."

"I'm just saying that I don't trust him. We've got to be prepared for anything."

Shelby glanced away, her thoughts turbulent. While she wanted an end to this, the analyst knew the possibility of disaster was all too real, and any resolution had the very real potential to separate her and Kris, perhaps forever. There were just so many chance variables. Sergei could kill Kris' mother, the operative could be arrested once she came clean with Earl, the meet could end up being a setup, with Kris the target or... her thoughts trailed off, unwilling to process the last image. Not one of these scenarios was acceptable, some even less so than others. Shelby was finding it harder and harder to lend positive support in what seemed more and more like a no-win situation.

Wondering why her partner had become so quiet, Kris glanced at Shelby and was only able to see a side view of her face as she gazed out the window. What she saw hit her hard. The analyst's countenance was a mixture of worry, sadness and fear. The woman who had become her rock needed some support, and she'd been too immersed in the case today to even see that. She finished formulating her strategy and decided to bounce it off Shelby. It might ease some of her concern. It was chock full of holes, but it was the best she'd been able to come up with.

"Shelby."

"Humm?" Taking a moment to make sure her face didn't reflect her doubts, Shelby briefly met the blue eyes before they turned back to the road.

"You're worried, aren't you?"

Shelby rolled her eyes. "Uh, duh? Aren't you?"

"Yeah." Kris reached over and linked her fingers with Shelby's. "But I think we've got a good chance to pull this off, too. If we get everything we need tonight, I'm gonna call Sergei tomorrow and set up a meet on Sunday. Once that's firmed up, I'll call Earl and arrange for a team to be at whatever location Sergei names."

Shelby gazed at the now confident expression on her partner's face. "You make it sound so simple and it's not. What if Sergei doesn't bring your mother along? And even if he does, how are you going to get her out of there without Earl knowing about her?"

Kris shrugged. "I'll tell Sergei there is no negotiating - I see my mother or he doesn't get the password. He'll go for it because he doesn't have a choice. Besides, he thinks he's in the driver's seat, and in a normal situation, he'd be right. Who could I turn to?" Squeezing, Shelby's hand, she continued, "He didn't count on you. And that's why we'll win."

The confident words and reassuring contact grounded Shelby, and she suddenly felt her confidence and optimism take a skyward leap. "What about your mother?"

"After I go inside, you bring the car around to the back of the house. Once I signal Earl's team, I'll get my mother to the rear of the house and once you and Mom are safe, I'll turn myself in."

"No!"

The operative's brow furrowed, surprised at the vehement response. "What do you mean, no?"

"That won't work. You've got to meet Earl ahead of time and tell him the truth. We do it your way, and you don't have anything left to bargain with. They'll already have Sergei."

"Yeah, but they can't prove he's Sergei. They need my testimony to do that."

Shelby shook her head in disagreement. "Maybe. But that's not good enough. What if they just haul in some of the men that he has with him? Wouldn't be the first time they ignored diplomatic immunity when they suspected someone of being a spy."

Kris carefully considered Shelby's words. She knew her plan wasn't perfect, and her partner's concern was valid. If the Company got what they needed at the time of the bust, she would lose her advantage in the bargaining process. And if she lost that, she could lose everything she was fighting for.

The operative sighed and ran a hand through her hair, glad they'd finally inched their way to the exit. "You're right. I'll have to set up a time to meet with Earl and explain it all to him." Kris gazed at Shelby momentarily before turning her attention back to the road. "You do know that he might ask me to surrender to him right then and there?"

"He could, but I don't think he will. You said you trusted Earl. I've got a feeling he trusts you, too. Even if he did want to take you into custody, all you'd have to do is tell him that my safety would be jeopardized." Shelby gazed into Kris' eyes. "And it would be, so you convince him, okay?"

Kris took a steadying breath at the implications of the frank statement. "He'll agree. Or he'll wake up with a big headache after I leave."

"I'm going with you and waiting in the car."

One look at the determined expression on her partner's face, and Kris swallowed her protest. "Okay."

Shelby hid her surprise, pleased at the easy victory. "Good. Now let’s go catch some spies."

Kris raised her eyebrows, and shook her head as she drove slowly through the congested Washington streets.

Shelby could see her partner growing more restless with each passing minute. They'd been sitting in the car for over an hour and a half and Maggie still hadn't appeared. All talked out about the case and their plans, she searched for a light topic. "If you could live anywhere you wanted to, where would you go?"

Raising an eyebrow at the off the wall question, Kris quirked a half smile. "That's easy. Wherever you were."

"I was being serious," Shelby protested, though pleased by her partner's answer.

"So was I." Kris met Shelby's eyes and held them for a moment before returning her gaze to their surroundings. "I don't care where I live if I'm with you. If you're happy, I'll be happy. That's what's important to me, not where we are."

Shelby basked in the warmth generated by the words, and a silly grin appeared on her face. "I never knew you were a such a romantic."

Kris could feel the blood rushing to her face and she glanced away. A romantic? Me? No way! Let's be honest here. Maybe a little where Shelby's concerned.

The blond woman cleared her throat, smiling warmly when Kris faced her. "That's not a bad thing. But don't worry. I won't tell anyone."

Kris shrugged, feigning indifference. "Wouldn't matter anyway. No one would believe you."

"Humm...you don't think so?" Her eyes dancing mischievously, Shelby said, "Want to place a wager on that?"

"No!"

Shelby nodded. "Don't worry, sweetheart, your secret's safe with me." She chuckled when Kris' face reddened again, but her merriment died abruptly when Kris spoke.

"There she is." Kris inclined her head towards the right side of the street they were facing. "See the guy in the gray jogging suit? Right behind him."

The analyst already had the camera up and was snapping off shots as she tracked the woman down the street. Her skill would be sorely tested because she had to have a shot of Maggie making the actual drop in the blind man's cauldron.

Kris listened to the whir of the camera as her partner fired off shot after shot until Maggie had made the drop and disappeared from sight. She waited for fifteen minutes to ensure Maggie had completely left the area, then turned to Shelby.

"Come on. Let's go get it."

Shelby walked nonchalantly along with Kris as they stopped momentarily along the street to gaze into shop windows. She was fully aware that the operative stayed between her and the street and blocked her body with her taller one when they stopped at each storefront. It was a very comforting feeling.

Blue leaned over the blind man sitting on the ground, watching as Shelby walked behind him, looking for the hidden container. "Looks like you had a good day. People must be feeling generous."

The man nodded. "Yes. Perhaps you, too, would help a blind man."

The operative nodded. "Sure," and dropped some coins into the metal cup on the ground next to him.

In a lightning fast move, he grabbed Shelby's arm just as she retrieved the small microfiche container, but he froze when the cool, hard metal of a gun's bore pressed against his neck, and the sound of a round being chambered dominated his senses.

Blue growled, "Let go of her arm." With her jacket loosely draped over her arm and weapon, she was carefully shielding the gun from casual onlookers.

He wasted no time, immediately releasing the slender arm. "Please, they will kill me."

"No they won't. Because the only way they know there was a drop is if you tell them. But I would suggest you find another way to supplement your income."

The man's head bobbed up and down. "Yes, yes, I will do that."

Kris removed her weapon from his throat, glancing around to make sure no one was watching them. "Good. You'll live a lot longer if you do."

She nodded to Shelby and they began retracing their steps back to the car. Once they departed the area, the analyst asked, "Now on to Maggie's?"

"Yeah, but let's stop at the Burger King drive through along the way. You've gotta be hungry, I know I am."

"I am hungry." Shelby was actually starved, but she didn't want Kris' concern for her to jeopardize getting the information they needed. "You sure we have time?"

Kris smiled reassuringly. "When the phone tap or bugs are activated, they automatically send signals to a remote tape recorder I hid outside her apartment. We won't miss anything. I just want to make sure we're there when Michael arrives. Pictures are worth a thousand words."

"So why did you bring that little tape recorder if it's already being recorded. In case someone finds the other one?"

"Partly, but also in case of a malfunction. I don't want to take any chances."

Shelby nodded in agreement and shifted in her seat. Lately it seemed like she was spending most of her life in a car. She'd be glad when the repairs to her own car were finished. It was a lot more comfortable than this rental was.

She rewound the roll of film in the camera, then carefully removed it, secured it in the plastic container, and placed it in her purse. She'd shot off 20 pictures, and needed a new roll for Michael at a faster speed. It would most likely be at least dusk, if not dark, by the time he appeared, if he showed at all.

Following a shortcut Shelby suggested to bypass most of the busier main thoroughfares, a short time later the two women parked in a congested area of the parking lot of the apartment complex where Maggie lived.

Shelby was leaning against the car door, and straightened when the tape recorder came to life. Listening to it, she looked at Kris and gave her a thumbs up. "Bingo!"

The operative grinned at the happy smile on her partner's face. Maggie had called Michael and he was due over within a half-hour. "Might be able to get an early night in after all. We leave once she tells him. No sense hanging around here and taking a chance on being spotted."

"Yes! Am I ever ready to get out of this car." Shelby lifted up in her seat, and murmured, "My poor butt!"

"Aw. You want me to kiss it and make it better." Kris laughed quietly at the startled expression on Shelby's face.

Recovering quickly, the analyst teased, "Well, I can think of places I'd rather have you kiss, but if that's what turns you on..."

Kris purred, "Oh honey, everything about you turns me on."

The seductive tone of voice had its desired effect and Shelby flushed, complaining, "You are a tease!"

Kris' face was the epitome of innocence. "Moi?"

"Okay, Ms. Innocent. Paybacks are a bitch."

At the unintentional double meaning, the operative trapped a guffaw in her throat, but couldn't stop the snort accompanying it. Ms. Innocent? Nothing could be further from the truth.

Shelby chuckled. "Just wait, you'll see."

"I'm..." Kris stopped, suddenly all business. "He's here already. He's coming from the same direction he did last time. You ready?"

The analyst had automatically reached for the camera the moment her partner's expression changed and it was now in position and focused on the tall man walking up the sidewalk. She snapped away, hoping to catch Maggie on film when the door opened.

She set the camera down after Michael entered the apartment and closed the door. Shelby glanced at Kris. "I got the apartment number and I might have gotten a clear shot of Maggie. We'll have to wait and see."

Kris reached over and squeezed Shelby's hand. "Good job."

They didn't have long to wait before Maggie relayed the information Shelby had fed her. Kris started the car. "The other tape player will pick up anything else they talk about. But we've got them cold with what we've got right here."

Shelby nodded in agreement. "Too bad it's too late to take the film to the one hour developing at Wal-Mart. I don't want to take a chance on just dropping it off. I'm not letting it out of my sight."

"We can take in tomorrow morning." Kris placed her hand on the smaller one resting on her thigh. "Thanks."

"You're welcome, but just remember - I've got a personal stake in this." Shelby glanced at Kris and smiled. "You."

Kris didn't answer, but wrapped her hand around the one beneath hers, knowing Shelby would understand her feelings.

"I'm going to call Earl when we get back to the apartment and set up a time to meet with him tomorrow, too. I'll wait to see how that goes before calling Sergei."

"Sounds good. I'll just be glad when this is all over."

Sighing, Kris said, "You and me, both."

A short time later, they were sitting on the couch unwinding after the long day and lavishing attention on Stormy.

Shelby glanced over at Kris, her eyes faraway and dreamy. "I wonder what it would be like if we were just two normal people who met someplace and were attracted and fell in love? Like maybe while we were on vacation or something, and we got to do fun tourist things. And we moved in together, and there were no people shooting at us, or spies after us. If I didn't work for the CIA, and you didn't...you know..."

Kris raised an eyebrow, and smiled. "If everything works out, I won't be doing any more...you know." Turning thoughtful, Kris said, "I guess I never thought of that because nothing about my life has been normal for so long." If we get out of this, I'll take you on that vacation.

Shelby's expression turned puzzled. "What will you do? What do you want to do?"

Kris shrugged. "I don't know. I like electronics and computers, and I've always been amazed at how easy it is to crack any security system I've come up against. I've often entertained the idea of developing one that can't be easily breached and then marketing it. It would be a lucrative business because I know the weaknesses of most of the others on the market."

Gregor sat in the car indecisively, weighing the risks. Sighing, he decided that although the odds were not favorable, the only alternative was death. So, ignoring his apprehension, he opened the door and began walking across the street to the apartment complex.

He paused at the bottom of the steps, squared his shoulders, and began the short climb to the second floor, rehearsing his approach one final time. Rapping on the door, he waited impatiently for it to be answered, not wanting to remain exposed any longer than necessary.

Shelby stopped mid-sentence when the knocking occurred, and shook her head when Kris looked at her questioningly. Watching Kris stand and pick up her gun in one fluid movement, she was once again amazed that the tall woman could react so quickly and instinctively. The analyst tracked her partner's movements to the door, curious about who could be visiting so late, but apprehensive, too.

Blue stood to one side of the door and raised her voice loudly enough to carry beyond the barrier. "Who is it?"

"Bear."

She narrowed her eyes at the familiar voice and glanced quickly through the peephole. "Why are you here?"

"Let me in. I can tell you where your mother is."

Blue thought rapidly, refusing to get her hopes up. She had no idea what Gregor was up to, but felt she had little choice except to play along. The operative unlocked the bolt, leaving the chain in place. Keeping her gun aimed at the opening, she ordered, "Throw your guns in here. Both of them."

She watched a 44 Magnum slide across the floor, followed by a 38 Special. Keeping her eyes trained on the opening, she waved to Shelby and pointed to the weapons, smiling her thanks when the analyst picked up both guns and set them on the dining room table.

She released the chain, kicked the door open, and aimed her gun at Gregor's chest. Once he crossed the threshold, she said, "Close and lock the door."

Gregor followed her instructions with slow deliberate movements. At her command, he faced the wall and placed his hands against it. The cold steel of her gun against his neck brought home the harsh reality of just how precarious his situation was.

When her frisk revealed no other weapons, Blue told Gregor to turn around. "Start talking."

Gregor shook his head. "I want to make a deal. I will tell you where she is in exchange for political asylum."

Blue snorted derisively. "Don't you think you're coming to the wrong person for that?"

"No. Your superiors do not know of our connection."

"Why now?"

The Russian thought over his words carefully. He hadn't expected instant cooperation, and what he related now would be the deciding factor. Knowing she hated the man he knew as Dimitri, he decided to be honest. "Dimitri will kill you and your mother once he has what he wants. He is also planning my termination at the end of this mission."

Blue wasn't surprised at Sergei's plans for her and her mother. She'd already figured that, and it was one of the primary reasons she was having so much trouble coming up with a feasible plan not only to save her mother, but to ensure their and Shelby's safety afterwards. What did surprise her was that Gregor had been included in the execution order.

"Why has your death been ordered?"

The Russian looked at Shelby. "I knew how valuable she was. I failed to relay that information. Dimitri found out."

Blue laughed coldly as the puzzle fell into place. "You're a fool. Thought you'd go over his head, and it backfired." She knew Sergei would never tolerate disloyalty. "You tell me where my mother is, then I'll talk to my boss about your request."

Gregor looked at Blue angrily. "I am not stupid! I have no guarantee that you will help me once your mother is released."

"What about the risk I'm taking by approaching my superiors about you? You know who I am. The only risk you're taking is losing your bargaining chip for my help. I arrange a meet between you and my superiors, I risk my life and freedom."

The Russian had not anticipated her coldly logical assessment. He shrugged his shoulders. "As you wish. I will contact the CIA directly."

Blue snorted. "And by the time you get through the layers of bureaucracy, Sergei's informants will have already notified him." She nodded towards the door, indicating the conversation was over.

Shelby sat on the couch watching the exchange intently. Kris was playing a dangerous game by even considering the Russian's offer, but it was the closest they'd come to getting a lead on her partner's mother's whereabouts without contacting Sergei. It would greatly increase the chances for a safe rescue, but Sergei was, by far, the best bargaining chip her partner had. If Gregor made good on his threat to contact the CIA, Kris' own plans could go up in smoke and she could lose her mother and her freedom.

The operative's countenance revealed none of her qualms as she watched Gregor unlock and open the door. She breathed an inward sigh of relief when the Russian closed the door and turned to face her.

Gregor inwardly cursed, hating the woman that had brought about his fall from grace. "I agree to tell you where your mother is only if you arrange my transfer at the time of her rescue."

Blue nodded. "Deal."

Michael waited until the parking lot was dark and quiet. He had no intentions of sitting on the roof another night. It would only take him a few minutes to reset the detonator to go off at 35mph. He cursed Blue's good luck at never having attained a speed of 53mph that day, and decided to end this once and for all. He finished a short time later and departed.

Gregor was in his car, ready to start it when he spotted a tall man stand up next to the rental car Blue had been driving. There was something familiar about the man, but it was too dark for Gregor to see him clearly. Suspicious, he watched until the figure disappeared from sight.

Starting the car, he began driving around aimlessly, debating what to do. An hour later, he made his decision. He didn't care if anything happened to Blue, but the fact remained that, right now, he needed her. Sighing, he picked up the phone and dialed her number.

The shrill ring of the cell phone woke both women.

Kris reached over Shelby to the nightstand and grabbed it. "Yeah."

"Check your car very carefully in the morning."

Kris narrowed her eyes at the sound of Gregor's voice. "You want to explain that."

"I saw someone suspicious near your car when I left."

Kris snorted. "And you just realized you still needed me, right?"

"Something like that." Gregor disconnected the call.

Shelby turned tired eyes to Kris. "What's going on?"

"That was the guy that was here tonight. He thinks someone may have been tampering with the car. Someone just refuses to give up."

Shelby sighed audibly. "Great. At least he told us."

"Yeah, but only because he needs us." Kris returned to her warm spot next to Shelby and fleetingly kissed her partner. "Don't worry. I'll check it out in the morning. It's too dark to do anything about it now." Kissing Shelby again, she said, "We'd better get some sleep."

Shelby relaxed against her companion, and fell asleep, the long day taking its toll. Her dreams were full of love and a lifetime of happiness with the woman at her side, where danger didn't lurk around every corner and no one was trying to kill them.

Kris hugged Shelby. "Would you quit worrying? I haven't found a bomb yet I couldn't disarm."

"Yeah, because if you had, you wouldn't be here now." Shelby had spoken the words lightly, but meant what she'd said.

"Oh, ye of little faith." Kris kissed Shelby, then released her and picked up the wire cutters, screwdriver, pliers and flashlight her partner had provided her with. "Be back in a few."

"Be careful."

Kris smiled reassuringly and left the apartment. She thoroughly checked out the parking lot before sliding under the car and shinning the light upwards almost immediately spotting the hole that had been created in the metal. Aiming the flashlight into the opening, she saw the telltale red blinking light and began the tedious job of disarming the explosive device.

Shelby stood out of sight at the balcony window, her eyes trained on the rental car. She couldn't see Kris, and her emotions fluctuated wildly between hope that it would be easily disarmed, to terror for her partner's safety.

When she finally saw Kris appear next to the car, she sank down onto the couch, her knees weak at the visceral relief that washed over her. A few minutes later, she greeted Kris at the door with a bear hug, which her partner enthusiastically returned.

The analyst sat in the rental car across the street from the outdoor café, carefully studying Kris and Earl, trying to assess the director's reaction to her partner's revelations.

Shelby sighed. She couldn't tell anything from either countenance, and wondered if all wet operatives protected themselves by remaining so outwardly unaffected.

She suddenly saw a flicker of anger cross Kris' face but it was gone in a second, replaced by the stoic look that Kris donned when fully tense and alert. Shelby studied Earl's face carefully for any indication of what had caused her partner's anger, frustrated that she couldn't hear the conversation.

Earl stared at Kris, shocked and stunned by what he'd just heard, trying to maintain his composure and not allow the sudden anger of betrayal he felt to surface. This was one of the Company's top operatives. He'd trained her, mentored her and supported her, only to learn that she was a mole.

He tried to analyze the idea of her being a Russian logically, but he was having difficulty doing so. Earl liked and respected Blue, making her revelation so much harder to take because an enemy agent was an enemy agent regardless of how he felt about her.

He looked up when a low, bitter voice interrupted his tumultuous thoughts.

"Tell me this, Earl. What if you were stolen from your mother as a child, thrown into a training facility for moles, sent to an enemy land and then grew to love the country you were supposed to hate? How would you feel; what would you have done?"

The director gazed into the frustrated, angry blue eyes glaring at him. What would I have done? She's in a no win situation. Blue had been a loyal operative for almost ten years and she needed his support. He suddenly knew she was telling the truth and could be trusted to deliver exactly what she'd promised. It was the fallout afterward that he was much more worried about.

Making his decision, Earl knew he would most likely face a board of inquiry for not forwarding this information to his higher ups immediately. He made one last attempt to do it the Company way, although his heart wasn't in it.

"I need to take you into custody." When he saw her eyes narrow, he quickly added, "You'll be in on the whole operation. I know we can't set it up without you. You will remain with me, directing the agents. Once we rescue your mother, we'll arrest Sergei and take Gregor into protective custody."

Kris leaned across the table, irritated at Earl's suggested compromise. "No way! My mother is in there, and I'm going in. No disrespect intended, but I have a lot better chance of getting her out safely than your team would."

Earl eyed her impassively, giving no outward indication of what he was thinking.

Kris quietly reminded her boss what was at stake. "I'm giving you one of Russia's top spies, another that wants political asylum, a double agent and a traitor. In return, all I'm asking is to participate in the operation, and for you to request political asylum and immunity for me."

Earl sighed and with a touch of acidity, asked, "Anything else?"

"You arrange for my mother to stay in the country and get a green card. Sergei has powerful friends and she'd be dead within minutes of getting off the plane back in Russia. I want her dropped off at Shelby's apartment. She's agreed to let her stay there temporarily. Now that's the deal, or I'm outta here. Up to you."

Earl met Kris' pointed gaze. "You don't want much, do you? Let's see if I've got this right." He ticked off each point on a finger as he enumerated. "You're a mole, you want a green card for your mother, you refuse to turn yourself in until your mother is rescued, you refuse to allow me to assign another operative to Shelby, you've brainwashed Shelby into helping you..."

Kris let the comment about brainwashing Shelby slide. It would help protect her partner from any potential fallout. Once she gave her statement, she intended to exonerate Shelby anyway.

Interrupting Earl, she repeated, "You get Sergei, Gregor, Michael and Maggie. I think that should count for something. Besides, I know who we're up against. I have a lot better chance of protecting Shelby before the bust and my mother during the bust than any of the other operatives. All I'm asking for is a deal for me and safety for my mother and Shelby."

"So I should risk my career by not taking you into custody now. I don't have the authority to agree to this deal and you know it."

"Just until after the rescue and bust. Then I'll turn myself in." Kris sighed. "If you had the authority, would you grant me a deal?"

Earl studied the woman sitting across from him and nodded his head. "Yes. I don't doubt your loyalty." He sat back, considering. "Okay. You call me with the time and place and I'll have a team there."

Kris nodded, inwardly sighing with relief, and stood up. She paused when Earl spoke again.

"For whatever it's worth - I'll go to bat for you."

The operative watched in stunned disbelief as Earl rose and walked away. She'd known he didn't have the authority to grant her immunity, but he was willing to risk his reputation on her, and that was more than she'd ever hoped for.

Shelby waited impatiently for Kris to get in the car. "What did he say?"

"He agreed to send in a team with the understanding I turn myself in after the bust." Kris glanced at Shelby, to gauge her reaction. "He said he'd go to bat for me when it was all over. I don't know how much good it'll do, but it was nice to hear."

Her face guarded, the analyst met Kris' eyes. "I knew he'd help you." However, Shelby was really worried about what would happen after Kris was taken into custody. What if Earl's support wasn't enough? What if they wouldn't let her go free, or put her in jail, or even sent her back to Russia?

Kris could see the worry in her partner's eyes and it was mirrored by her own doubts. There was nothing she could say to reassure her partner, so she started the car and merged into the traffic.

Shelby sat on the couch nestled against Kris, absorbing the feel and odor that was uniquely her partner's, wishing that time could stand still. Neither of them had talked much since they had returned to the apartment, and even Stormy purring on her lap didn't bring the analyst the pleasure that it usually did.

Kris had arranged the meet with Sergei for 8pm that evening and it was approaching way too fast for Shelby. There was nothing she wanted more than for her partner's mother to be rescued, but the thought of never seeing Kris again once she walked out the door quelled any feeling of satisfaction that might have been derived from the ensuing rescue operation.

Gregor had called and told Kris he would be picking her up at 7:30pm and that Markov would be driving. Shelby listened resolutely as Kris passed the information on to Earl, her emotions seesawing between hope for the future and despair. She'd wanted to go, but Kris had told her she couldn't protect both her and her mother in what could become a shootout, and begged her to remain behind. Shelby agreed, knowing what her partner said made sense, but sitting here waiting would unbearable.

The operative's mind was attuned to the smaller woman sitting against her, even as she ran various scenarios through her mind, trying to mentally prepare herself for any surprises Sergei might have in store. Setting her thoughts of the meet aside, she tightened her hold on Shelby.

There was one important thing from her past that she hadn't been able to share with Shelby, and was now glad she hadn't. What she'd hoped was her ace in the hole had refused to materialize, and Kris was glad that she hadn't given her partner any false hope.

The operative thought about the two messages she'd sent off, the last one on Thursday, but neither had been acknowledged. She was on her own. Only fate knew what the future held. She picked up Shelby's hand in her lap and squeezed it.

Kris began speaking haltingly. "No matter what happens, remember that I love you. I don't know what's going to happen - but you are the most important thing in my life - and if...if I can't come back..." That train of thought was so dismal that her soul shriveled at the very notion of never returning to the woman she loved.

Knowing she had to be strong for her partner, she struggled to escape the incipient depression. "You will always be first in my heart. No matter where I am, or what I'm doing, whether we're together...or apart. I just need you to know that."

A tear slid down Shelby's cheek. Kris had to be a lot more worried about the outcome than she'd been letting on, because that was as close to a farewell as she could get without actually mentioning those hated words...good bye.

She tried to smile as Kris wiped the wetness from her face with a thumb. "I'm just worried."

"You've got good reason to be." Kris could feel her partner's pain. If only she could reassure her, say anything to alleviate Shelby's doubts and fears, but she couldn't lie to her. And it tore at the operative's heart to see the sadness in those beautiful green eyes.

Shelby's troubled eyes gazed into vivid blue ones. "They owe you, Kris. You've been just as loyal as a native born citizen, and risked your life time and again for this country. They've just got to take that into consideration."

Kris smiled ruefully. "Hopefully, they will." She was counting on the government of the country she had come to love as her own, and hoped that what she was offering would persuade even the most paranoid official of her fealty. She glanced at her watch, knowing they only had minutes before the two agents arrived to guard Shelby.

She leaned down and placed her hand under Shelby's chin urging it up, then brought her lips down to meet her partner's mouth - savoring the feel, wondering if it would be the last one she would ever share with Shelby, and memorizing each sensation.

Shelby relished the feelings suffusing her body, and conveyed her own love for Kris through the simple contact that had started as a gentle kiss and became so much more.

All of each woman's hopes and fears and doubts were conveyed to the other, neither wishing to relinquish the contact until taking a breath ceased to be a choice.

Kris rested her chin on Shelby's head, enjoying the feel her partner's face resting against her breasts. She could feel their hearts beating in unison, and once their breathing slowed, she greedily bent her head down seeking the sensuous lips for another stolen moment.

Parting again, they gazed into each other's eyes. Words weren't necessary. Their body language spoke volumes as they leaned against each other.

When the doorbell sounded, Kris reluctantly released Shelby and let the two agents in. The moment Shelby had been dreading had arrived. She tried unsuccessfully to stop the tears from filling her eyes, and her voice catching, she said, "Be careful."

Kris tried to quirk a half smile, but failed miserably. Her own heart heavy, she just nodded and walked down the steps to whatever destiny fate had in store for her.

Sergei sat on one of the comfortable couches in the living room of the safe house. Blue had called him late that morning and said she had the password, but she insisted on seeing her mother when she gave it to him. The Russian had readily agreed to let her see her mother at the time of the exchange. What she didn't know was she'd get the added benefit of watching her mother die before he killed her. It would be a satisfying evening and a great victory for his homeland, because the password would allow them access to even the most sensitive information.

Sergei thought over the conversation. Of course, he'd agreed to all of her terms and arranged for Markov and Gregor to pick her up and bring her here. He wanted to ensure that she came alone and had warned Markov to be especially alert for any tails.

Fully appreciating his opponent's skill, Sergei considered his defense again. He had six of his best men in place. Only two of them would be visible. The other four were hidden in the house - two assigned to windows on opposite sides of the house to watch for suspicious vehicles approaching from either direction, one guarding Blue's mother, and the other in the adjoining room. He didn't expect Blue to launch an attack with her mother in the house, but Sergei knew overconfidence was the biggest downfall of people in his line of work and he didn't intend to be caught unprepared.

Earl had put two teams on alert, and they had been in place within 30 minutes of receiving the address from Blue. He put a pair of binoculars to his eyes, carefully searching the windows of the safe house for any activity. His vigilance paid off when a curtain moved minutely on an upstairs window.

Blue had relayed Gregor's report that in addition to himself and a driver, at least five more Russian agents and Sergei would be present at the safe house.

Earl's options were limited because he had to wait until Blue gave the signal, but he had four agents out of sight on the roof of the target structure. When he gave the order, they would rappel through the upstairs windows, taking out the guards on that level. He planned a simultaneous entry at both doors, with snipers covering the windows.

Earl tensed as a blue Ford Taurus pulled into the driveway and the three passengers disembarked. Poised for action, he relayed their arrival to his team.

Blue walked into the house between Gregor and Markov, and saw Sergei sitting on the couch smiling.

"I'm so glad we've come to an understanding. I really didn't want to kill your mother after your nice reunion."

Keeping her voice expressionless, Blue asked, "Where is she?"

"She'll be joining us once you give me the password." Sergei smiled coldly, knowing the agent wouldn't agree, but having fun at her expense.

Blue refused to be baited, and shrugged. "That isn't the deal."

Sergei eyes turned cold. "You still don't understand who's in charge here, do you?"

Meeting the cold eyes with a glare, she said, "What are you going to do? Try and beat it out of me. Did you forget the lessons you taught me?" Having made her point, Blue crossed her arms. "Let's cut the shit and get down to business."

The Russian smiled, imagining the slow, torturous death he had planned for his one time protégé. He glanced at Markov and nodded. "Get her."

Blue's demeanor was calm, but every muscle was tense, alerted by the adrenaline surging through her body. Her mother appeared a short time later, flanked by Markov and another agent.

Her only weapon was a small .38 tucked into her waistband, just out of sight, beneath her jacket. She had to get closer to her mother. Ignoring Sergei, she asked, "Are you okay?" and began walking toward her mother.

Sergei stood and blocked her way. "Oh no. First the password."

The operative narrowed her eyes and spat, "Leprechaun." Then pushing past the Russian, she approached her mother drawing her into a hug while activating the transmitter she'd installed on her cell phone. Markov and the other agent glanced at their boss, awaiting orders.

Sergei watched the reunion with interest. It never failed to amaze him how family could render otherwise effective operatives helpless. This was going to be an enjoyable killing. Deciding the reunion had lasted long enough, he said, "One more thing." Waiting for Blue to turn around, he began pulling out his weapon as the front door crashed open.

Blue swept Masha's feet from beneath her and threw her weight against the older woman, drawing her weapon as they fell to the floor, and ignoring her mother's grunt at the hard landing. The sounds of gunfire echoed through the room, and the operative targeted the agent nearest her mother, inflicting a leg wound that dropped him to the floor in agony.

She quickly located Sergei behind the couch, vaguely aware of shots being fired in the upper levels of the house. Unwilling to leave her mother, she carefully aimed for his arm, hoping to incapacitate him and end the gun battle. Before she could squeeze off a shot, Blue watched in horror as the Russian's head exploded, splattering the couch and floor around him with blood and gray matter.

She heard her mother gasp, and felt the older woman's heart thundering in her ears at the carnage in front of them. Tracking the direction of the shot with her own weapon, she saw Gregor drop his gun as one of Earl's agents fired a round into his bicep.

Her heart sank, knowing she'd just lost her biggest bargaining chip.